Dorking To Keep America Safe
How do you spot an air marshal on your flight? Just look for the guy turkey-trussed up in nerd-wear -- a suit, tie, and dress shoes (even on the hottest day of summer). Brian Wingfield writes in The New York Times about the dumb air marshal dress code, imposed by the Department Of Homeland Stupidity:
Beards are out. So are jeans and athletic shoes. Suit coats are in, even on the steamiest summer days.That dress code, imposed by the Department of Homeland Security, makes federal air marshals uneasy ó and not just because casual clothes are more comfortable in cramped airline seats. The marshals fear that their appearance makes it easier for terrorists to identify them, according to a professional group representing more than 1,300 air marshals.
"If a 12-year-old can pick them out, a trained terrorist has no problem picking them out," said John D. Amat, a spokesman for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
Documents and memos issued by the Department of Homeland Security and field offices of the Federal Air Marshal Service say marshals must "present a professional image" and "blend unnoticed into their environment." Some air marshals have argued that the two requirements are contradictory.
Duh!
Dave Adams, a spokesman for the service, said that groups who have publicized the dress code are "endangering the lives of our general workforce." Mr. Adams said a dress code was put in place in April 2002, after the airline industry complained that air marshals' attire was too casual. He said some marshals had worn shorts, blue jeans, sandals and T-shirts while on duty."In order to gain respect in a situation, you must be attired to gain respect," Mr. Adams said in an interview. If air marshals were allowed to be too casual in their dress, he added, "they probably would not gain the respect of passengers if a situation were to occur."
One air marshal, who said he is frequently spotted by passengers, and who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, "Professionalism isn't deemed by your dress; it's by your attitude and demeanor.
Maybe Mr. Adams hasn't really looked too closely at the air marshals. These are physically and psychologically imposing guys. I don't think a pair of khaki pants, a day's growth, and a Rams t-shirt are going to impair their ability to hold a gun and the respect of other passengers during a terrorist attack. In fact, who would you respect more, a guy who looks like my description above, or some sweaty, uncomfortable-looking, JC Penney-suited Dudley Doright?
"In order to gain respect in a situation, you must be attired to gain respect," Mr. Adams said in an interview. If air marshals were allowed to be too casual in their dress, he added, "they probably would not gain the respect of passengers if a situation were to occur."
Yes, if I'm on an airplane, and a terrorist situation were to occur, I'm going to lose all faith in my savior if he's not properly attired in a three piece vested suit and wingtips.
Somehow, I get the feeling that the average passenger, during a hostage situation, will be too preoccupied to concern themselves with what the man holding the gun is wearing.
Patrick at July 17, 2004 6:30 AM
I think all air marshals should dress (and look) like Berger on Sex and the City.
Lena at July 17, 2004 7:31 AM